Risk and return are both important when investing at any time.
Great care must be taken when drawing money from a 529 Plan when you child has earned a scholarship for the same time period to avoid income taxes or penalties.
Paying down debt and investing both have risks and rewards and it is best to look at the big picture before acting.
For a married couple, the decision as to when to draw retirement benefits may affect the spouses benefit in event of death of the recipient of the benefits.
There are two basic types: those offered through your employer and those you can open on an individual basis. Both types are designed to help you accumulate the wealth you will need to fund your retirement.